Lovers of mythology must plan visit to or a picnic at the Parthenon in Centennial Park, especially if this is as close as you’ll likely get to Greece. The building is a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Nashville’s sister city, and provides a great place to spend mornings, afternoons or evenings indoors or out of doors. With expansive manicured lawns, events every weekend, playgrounds and volleyball courts, Centennial Park makes for rocking-and-rolling or feasting-and-unwinding good times. Reflecting the city’s nickname, the "Athens of the South," the Parthenon was originally built for Tennessee's Centennial celebration in 1897. There is a 42-foot statue of Athena inside the building, which functions as an art museum with a permanent collection of paintings by 19th- and 20th-century American artists. Temporary shows and exhibits are displayed in additional galleries. Stroll through the building or lounge on the grounds while reading poetry inspired by the goddess of wisdom and war—such diverse attributes only a complex deity could embrace.